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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Anthony France

Davina McCall breaks down in tears at first public appearance since major brain surgery

Davina McCall broke down in tears at her first public appearance following major brain surgery.

The former Big Brother presenter, 57, revealed last month that she was had an operation to remove a colloid cyst, a type of rare fluid-filled benign tumour.

McCall - known for The Masked Singer and My Mum, Your Dad - attended an event at All Saints Church, Fulham to support her neurosurgeon Kevin O’Neill on Thursday.

Taking to the stage to make a speech while supported by boyfriend Michael Douglas, the emotional star said: “I’m crying already, that didn’t go well.

“I know lots of you here are on your own brain tumour journey and many of you have lost loved ones to a brain tumour.

“I lost my sister to a brain tumour in 2012 and my ex father in law a year ago.”

The Brain Tumour Research Campaign thanked McCall for her attendance, posting on Instagram: “What a truly magical Christmas celebration evening.

“A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in making this event so special.

“Our evening began with our incredible chairman, Kevin O’Neill, setting the tone with his warmth and passion.

“We were then moved by the inspiring words of the wonderful Davina McCall who shared her personal story with such courage and grace.

“Her message about the importance of funding for brain tumour research truly resonated with us all. Thank you, Davina, for being such a powerful voice for this cause.”

McCall's sister Caroline Baday died from lung and bone cancer at the age of 50 and had been told by doctors she also had two tumours on her brain.

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